How to incorporate the natural inclinations and traits of children as active learners, into learning experiences that engage children authentically. Using the picture book I Went Walking, I introduce listeners to the multitude of learning experiences that this one little book can bring, and so spark children's natural curiosity and simultaneously tick off multiple curriculum outcomes.For the free download go to the episode website.

🔗 Links:

Read: 7 Fun Integrated Learning Activities with I Went Walking

Download your FREE E-guide and lesson experience

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Email: [email protected]

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00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Keeping Kids Engaged

00:26 Observing Children's Natural Learning Behaviors

01:27 Integrating Stories into Learning

02:05 Practical Activity: 'I Went Walking'

03:07 Cross-Curricular Learning Opportunities

04:18 Encouraging Creativity and Writing

06:27 Free Resource and Final Tips

07:31 Organizing for Success

08:30 Upcoming Episode Teaser

Rather than teaching subjects in silos, which can hinder children's ability to make connections, use the science or humanities curriculum as a starting point. Edwina shares how to plan integrated lesson plans that teach the necessary English skills linked to science or humanities topics. The episode also highlights the benefits of using hands-on activities, non-fiction texts, and outdoor experiences to enhance learning.

🔗 Links:

Teaching K-2 curriculum with picture books

Download your Integrated Inquiry Planning Sheet

Get your Integrated Picture book lesson plans HERE

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💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Welcome to Blooming Curious

00:37 The Challenge of Integrating Curriculum

01:31 Practical Examples of Integration

05:50 Incorporating Math into Real-World Activities

08:36 The Impact of Technology on Learning

10:00 Planning for the New Term

11:09 Free Resource and Final Thoughts

Daniel Burton, a nature educator specialising in outdoor classrooms and the co-founder of Educated by Nature discusses the program's mission to boost the mental, emotional, and physical health of children through connections with nature. Daniel shares the origin story of Educated by Nature, inspired by his experience teaching outdoors at Bold Park Community School. He explains the benefits observed in neurodivergent children and the overall positive impact of outdoor learning on academic performance, social interaction, and resilience. Daniel provides educators and parents with valuable advice on how to incorporate nature into learning and play.

🔗 Links:

Connect with Daniel at Educated by Nature

Connect on Facebook

Connect on Instagram

Read: The Meaning of Nature Pedagogy in Early Childhood

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💌Connect with Edwina:

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Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Welcome to Blooming Curious with Daniel Burton

00:52 The Origin Story of Educated by Nature

03:38 Transformative Power of Outdoor Classrooms

05:24 Teaching Strategies in Nature-Based Learning

07:01 Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Spaces

11:02 Building Resilience Through Nature

21:48 Challenges in Integrating Nature-Based Learning

31:10 Exciting Projects and Future Initiatives

35:17 Advice for Parents and Educators

36:48 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Strategies and organisation tips essential for back to school and setting up an engaging classroom. Listen to previous episodes that focus on getting set up and organised for a new teaching year focusing most importantly on the strategies to get students engaged.

Episode 41 discusses making curiosity a priority.

Episode 40 warns against over-decorating and the things we should consider when decorating our classrooms.

Episode 12 explores enhancing outdoor learning environments.

Episode 39 covers overall classroom organization. Practical advice includes using calming, natural colors, setting up functional learning areas, and incorporating manipulatives for hands-on learning.

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💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections

00:17 Preparing for the New School Year

00:57 Prioritizing Curiosity Over Decor

02:31 Avoiding Unnecessary Classroom Expenses

03:47 Creating a Calming Classroom Environment

05:06 Outdoor Learning Environments

06:13 Ultimate Back to School Organization

09:53 Intentional Classroom Setup

10:54 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Setting actionable goals instead of traditional New Year's resolutions. Edwina shares insights on the importance of reflection in teaching and the benefits of goal setting to keep students engaged and promote personal growth. We emphasise the pitfalls of reusing old lesson plans without adaptation and guide educators through reflective questions to plan for the year ahead.

🔗 Links:

Download your free Teacher's Goal Setting Planner to reflect on what worked and what didn't, and help structure your goals and keep motivation high throughout the year.

Read: The Power of Goal Setting for Teachers

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💌Connect with Edwina:

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Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Welcome Back and New Year Excitement

00:34 Setting Goals for Blooming Curious

01:55 Reflecting on Last Year's Teaching

02:11 The Importance of Goal Setting

03:20 Three Key Reflection Questions

04:59 Benefits of Goal Setting

07:13 Introducing the Teacher's Goal Setting Planner

08:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book, 'The Anxious Generation,' Edwina unpacks the impact of technology on children's development. The episode discusses the negative effects of excessive screen time on children's emotional and mental health and provides practical strategies for parents and educators to promote healthier alternatives. Edwina encourages parents and teachers to start small and be intentional in fostering connections and creativity, after all it's we the adults who hold the power to change.

🔗 Links:

Download 24 Screen-free ways to stimulate curiosity

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💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction and Year-End Announcement

00:23 The Impact of Technology on Children's Development

01:03 Practical Strategies to Reduce Screen Time

04:04 Engaging with Nature

05:24 Reigniting Family and Classroom Traditions

06:39 Open-Ended Creative Play

07:50 Shared Reading Experiences

09:10 Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

11:15 Prioritizing Connection Through Shared Projects

12:12 Small Steps for Big Changes

13:55 Conclusion and Freebie Announcement

These days just about anyone who wants to get ahead and bring the best out of themselves has a coach. Why should educators be any different? In today's episode Edwina explores why every educator should consider getting a coach and why and how to integrate lessons that bring excitement back into the classroom and tick multiple curriculum outcomes. Edwina also announces her new introductory coaching offer for teachers who want to get the best out of their teaching and learn how to integrate across the curriculum and get the support of a like minded planning buddy.Go to the episode website for all the links mentioned in the episode.

🔗 Links:

UPDATED: Homeschool Jumpstart - group coaching for new homeschool educators - get on the waiting list

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💌Connect with Edwina:

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Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction: Why Every Teacher Deserves a Coach

00:43 Planning Integrated Lessons: Practical Steps

03:17 The Role of a Teaching Coach

04:46 Benefits of Having a Coach

05:52 Coaching Offer and Conclusion

Most of us spend way to much on gifts. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, most of those gifts end up in landfill.Isn't it time to rethink gift giving? Our gift giving in our families also sets a precedent. What precedent do you want to leave for your children? In today's episode Edwina explores how quality outlives quantity and curates the ultimate list of gifts for the lifelong learner, both adult and child. Educators need to stay on top of their game, and the one thing that keeps them there is research and reading. That's why Edwina has curated the ultimate bookshelf for educators as well as gifts for curious, smart, creative kids. Let this be your ultimate guide for this gift giving season.

🔗 Links:

The ultimate gift guide for the lifelong learner

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☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction: The Season of Gift-Giving

00:28 Setting a Precedent for Quality Gifts

01:21 Curated Gifts for Lifelong Learners

01:35 The Power of Books

02:40 Educational Toys and Games

03:30 Homemade Gifts: A Personal Touch

05:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ten High Impact Teaching Strategies proved to be the most popular episode since beginning Blooming Curious in late November 2024. In this episode Edwina looks at the 6 most popular episodes in the past year. What was more surprising than what was popular, was what was not popular.

🔗 Links:

Episode 1 Welcome to Blooming Curious

Episode 36 The Most Effective Teaching Strategy for Student Learning

Episode 26 Jessica Vance on Inquiry, Curiosity and Learning Walls

Episode 12 Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children

Episode 24 Dr Claire Warden on the meaning of Nature Pedagogy in Practice

Episode 13 Exploring the Benefits of Loose Parts Play with Ashleigh Sharp

Downloads mentioned:

FREE e-guide; How to nurture natural curiosity

E-guide Inquiry-based learning 101

The Curious Garden integrated lesson plan

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💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Podcast Journey

01:30 Most Popular Episodes Overview

01:41 Episode Highlights: Curiosity and Learning Strategies

03:43 Interview with Jessica Vance: Learning Walls

05:31 Outdoor Learning Environments

05:31 Interview with Dr. Claire Warden: Outdoor Learning

08:18 Interview with Ash Sharp: Loose Parts Play

08:23 Interview with Marcus Veerman: Innovative Playgrounds

09:59 Conclusion and Upcoming Break

When it comes to teaching children how to read, there is only one proven method, and that's through explicit direct instruction. In this episode Edwina unpacks the basic fundamentals of explicit instruction when it comes to the teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness. If we want to give children the gift of knowledge and imagination, we must give them the gift of reading. But for too long, too many people have failed children, and left them illiterate and unable to meet their full potential. The explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness can save children from an uncertain future, and give them the foundational skills they need to grow their curiosity. As parents and educators we must not fail our children when it comes to reading, because the science is clear. In this episode Edwina walks you through the step-by-step approach she takes to successfully teach children to read, which in turn has the power to nurture their curiosity and creativity.

🔗 Links:

How to successfully teach a child to read part 1

How to successfully teach a child to read part 2

The Power of a Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson by Hollingsworth and Ybarra

Get Inquiry-Based Learning 101

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💌Connect with Edwina:

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Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Explicit Instruction

00:16 The Importance of Reading

00:16 The Science Behind Learning to Read

00:16 Explicit Phonics Instruction

03:43 Phonemic Awareness Activities

05:58 Integrating Phonics with Play

08:23 Daily Phonics Lessons

10:28 Combining Inquiry and Explicit Instruction

11:01 Resources and Conclusion